Delhi's Fifth Waste-to-Energy Plant Takes Significant Step Forward
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has initiated a crucial phase in establishing the city's fifth waste-to-energy (WTE) plant at Bawana by commencing the relocation of three 400 KV transmission lines that traverse the project site. This preparatory work marks a substantial advancement for the ambitious infrastructure project aimed at addressing Delhi's mounting waste management challenges.
Timeline and Concurrent Activities
The transmission line shifting operation is projected to conclude by June, with simultaneous progress on constructing the boundary wall and establishing the site office. Physical work for relocating the lines has already commenced at the location. While installation of boilers, chimneys, and other essential machinery for the WTE plant will begin once the site is fully cleared and lines are shifted, the concessionaire has received directives to initiate equipment procurement immediately.
"In the interim, the concessionaire must proceed with boundary wall construction and related preparatory tasks to ensure the plant is completed within the stipulated timeline," an official emphasized, highlighting the multi-pronged approach to maintain project momentum.
Plant Specifications and Delhi's Waste Context
The Bawana facility represents a significant addition to Delhi's waste processing infrastructure with impressive specifications:
- Daily processing capacity of 3,000 metric tonnes of segregated municipal waste
- Electricity generation of 28 megawatts
- Project cost of Rs 604 crore
- Operational lifespan of 25 years
- Targeted full operational status by December 2027
This development is particularly critical given Delhi's current waste management landscape. The city generates approximately 11,500 metric tonnes of municipal solid waste daily, yet only about 6,550 metric tonnes undergoes processing at existing WTE plants. While four facilities at Okhla, Ghazipur, Tehkhand, and Narela-Bawana are currently operational, their combined capacity remains insufficient to handle the city's waste volume.
The expansion of both Okhla and Tehkhand plants, coupled with the establishment of the Bawana facility, is essential to alleviate pressure on Delhi's saturated landfills and move toward more sustainable waste management practices.
Project Background and Financial Arrangements
The journey toward this waste-to-energy plant gained momentum in March 2025 when MCD issued the work order following a Supreme Court decision that upheld the corporation's authority to fix tariffs for the Narela plant, thereby removing a significant legal obstacle. Subsequently, on June 18, the environment ministry granted clearance for the new 30 MW plant at Bawana.
In April 2025, then MCD commissioner Ashwani Kumar formalized a tripartite agreement with Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd and Delhi Transco Limited (DTL) to facilitate the removal of high-voltage lines from the project site. Under this arrangement, Power Grid will execute the relocation work while MCD assumes responsibility for the one-time capital expenditure.
The ownership structure of the transmission lines involves one line belonging to DTL and two lines under Power Grid's jurisdiction. For the shifting project, MCD allocated Rs 23 crore to Power Grid and Rs 3.1 crore to Delhi Transco Limited.
Cost Escalation and Project Significance
Although the initial cost estimate for line-shifting stood at Rs 24.6 crore and received approval in October 2023, the figure escalated to Rs 26.4 crore after DTL, in February 2025, requested additional compensation. This increase accounted for estimated financial losses stemming from reduced availability during the shutdown period required for relocation activities.
This transmission line relocation represents more than mere infrastructure adjustment—it signifies Delhi's commitment to enhancing its waste processing capabilities and reducing landfill dependency. As the city continues to grapple with waste management challenges, the Bawana waste-to-energy plant emerges as a crucial component in developing a more sustainable urban ecosystem for India's capital.
